Uruguay registers equine virus that can affect humans – 12/02/2023 – Health

Uruguay recorded the first case of equine encephalitis, a virus transmitted by infected mosquitoes that can also affect humans, authorities reported this Saturday (2).

The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) said that the first case of alphavirus (equine encephalitis) was confirmed in a horse located on the country’s coast.

This region in western Uruguay borders Argentina, which on Thursday (30) declared a health emergency and ordered the immobilization of equine cattle due to outbreaks of the equine encephalomyelitis virus in the center and northeast of the country.

In Uruguay, the MGAP indicated that it is carrying out intense epidemiological surveillance throughout the territory, but, for now, restricting the movement of animals is not justified.

However, where positive cases are detected, “epidemiological monitoring will be established, the movement of horses will be restricted and health controls will be intensified throughout the area”, he explained in a note.

The ministry added that the government is working to bring a greater volume of equine vaccine to the country.

Equine encephalitis is transmitted mainly through the bites of infected mosquitoes, which act as vectors for the virus. Although transmission can occur at any time of the year, it tends to increase during hot and humid seasons.

The MGAP emphasized that this disease is mandatory to report.

Health authorities stated that no cases related to the virus have yet been detected in humans, but urged the population to use repellent and appropriate clothing to avoid mosquito bites.

Symptoms of the virus in humans include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or altered mental status, seizures, and muscle weakness.